K-Pop Fans Divided On When The 5th Generation Of Idol Groups Will Begin
The K-Pop community has recently been immersed in a heated debate regarding the much-anticipated arrival of the 5th generation of idol groups. With Korean media outlets claiming the likes of BABYMONSTER, ZB1, BOYNEXTDOOR, and Xikers are gaining attention as potential frontrunners of this new era, fans have been divided on exactly when the 5th generation will officially kick-off.
One faction of fans argues that the 5th generation has already commenced with the debut of K-Pop sensation Newjeans. Known for their catchy tunes and addictive music, as well as immersive concepts, Newjeans has been making waves in the industry since their debut last August, capturing the hearts of many fans worldwide.
we are still very much in the 4th gen but if the 5th gen truly started, then it began with newjeans pic.twitter.com/BTgiPAtP3a
— 👖 (@butterflyminji) May 8, 2023
Supporters of this viewpoint point to their achievements and growing popularity as evidence that the 5th generation has indeed arrived.
this whole 5th gen debate got y’all admitting newjeans did in fact cause a shift in the kpop industry pic.twitter.com/9XVw7kFC0c
— nil (@newjiram) May 8, 2023
However, another group of fans takes a different stance, drawing comparisons to the transition from the 3rd to the 4th generation of idol groups. They argue that the industry waited for 3rd generation groups to surpass the seven-year mark before ushering in a new generation. A fan even expressed concerns that the rush to start the 5th generation is driven by a desire to secure “firsts” and “biggest” titles, despite the fact that only a handful of 4th generation groups have achieved significant chart success.
b4 starting the 4th gen the industry waited for the 7 yrs curse to start hitting the 3rd gen despite it having THE BTS to compete with. now they rush to start the 5th to secure those “firsts”&“biggest” titles despite just a handful of the 4th gen grps charting. kpop is declining https://t.co/kY9NRjfxpd
— march⁷ (@goldisjin) May 8, 2023
Amidst the contrasting opinions, a section of fans finds themselves perplexed by the intense reaction surrounding the potential beginning of the 5th generation. They question why there is so much apprehension and debate, emphasizing that the evolution of K-Pop has always been marked by the emergence of new talent and the continuous growth of the industry.
is it just me or am i the only one confused why people are so upset that 5th gen might be starting soon? https://t.co/c7LpN6147E
— NORI☆ ze_rose 🙄 (@jiwoongiez) May 8, 2023
In a lighthearted twist, long-time K-Pop enthusiasts who have been following the scene since the 2nd generation joined in the conversation with playful jokes about “surviving” three different generations. These fans reminisce about the evolution of K-Pop over the years, highlighting the diverse styles and trends that have captivated audiences worldwide.
me surviving from 2nd gen to 5th gen, i've seen it all pic.twitter.com/pLYeLDKNnT
— ً (@aoaluvme) May 6, 2023
As the debate rages on, it’s evident that K-Pop fans are passionate about the future of the industry and the direction it will take with the arrival of the 5th generation of idol groups. While some eagerly anticipate the fresh talent and innovation that the new generation will bring, others urge for a more measured approach, considering the achievements and growth of the current 4th generation.
ca One thing is certain: the anticipation surrounding the 5th generation reflects the dynamism and ever-changing nature of the K-Pop phenomenon, ensuring that fans will remain engaged in the ongoing evolution of their beloved genre.
